"With one in seven consumers already using 80 percent of their credit limit, layaway has become a popular option for shoppers around the holidays, said Kathy Grannis, spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation.

"Layaway appeals to all kinds of shoppers," Grannis said. "Whether it's those living paycheck to paycheck that can't afford the interest payments when shopping with a credit card or the parent who just doesn't want their snooping children to find their gifts in the house before the holidays."'